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Highlights of Week 5 Video:
* Finding the courage to be stretched, get our feet wet, and move forward in faith
* Why we should consider leaving our comfort zones and entering the faith zone
* Discovering the strength and desire to take a leap of faith
Quotable Quotes from the Video:Â
(Click on the click to tweet to hop over to twitter, or copy and paste the below quotes to Facebook)
Sometimes being comfortable is not the best place for us to be, because nothing fabulous can happen in a comfort zone. (click to tweet)
If we want to experience the fabulous – the wonderful things beyond our imaginations – we have to be willing as Christian women and believers in Jesus to trust His plan – that He has something great waiting for us outside of our comfort zone. (click to tweet)Â
We have to be willing to say yes to God, and to take those first few steps to stretch our faith and get our feet wet in unknown waters, to really begin catching glimpses of the beautiful future that we all want and that God has waiting for us. A future that is filled with purpose, not just the mundane, routine daily things we are already comfortable with.
Don’t let the stumbles and awkwardness of change prevent you from embracing all God has in store for you. (click to tweet)
We have to be obedient with the small things before God can really entrust us with the big things. Â (click to tweet)
Each of us are faced with the decision of being willing to trust God enough to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the uncomfortable for a temporary time period until God gives us a glimpse of the beautiful future that He has for each one of us.
Four Steps From the Video about How to Leave Your Comfort Zone
1. Thing big, but take small steps.
2. Set goals for yourself and your life.
3. Be positive, but expect some stumbles.
4. Trust God always has a plan.
Week 5 Chapter Reading Assignment:
Chapter 17 and Chapter 18
Week 5 Reflection Questions: (based on last week’s readings)
How does Corrie Ten Boom’s story encourage you when you read it?
What is one circumstance (flea) you’ve always felt you could never praise or thank God for? How might doing so change your perspective and give you hope?
What consequences do you fear might happen if you begin to ‘be real’? Â Are you ready/willing to release those fears to God and begin trusting Him with your future?
If you’d like to sign up for the Faith Zone Challenge mentioned in the video, please CLICK HERE.Â
Let’s talk about this question today on the blog. Leave a comment if you feel led to do so.
“How might God be calling you to leave your comfort zone?”Â
8 Comments
Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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Corrie’s and Betsie’s story reminds me to be thankful. To know God has me in this place at this time for a reason. I may not see or understand the reason but God does and it’s for my good and His purpose. I am to trust Him and obey Him every step of the way.
I’m not sure yet how God is calling me to leave my comfort zone. I feel it has something to do with helping women who have been victims of their husband’s pornography. While there are groups to help men who have porn addictions, I don’t know of any that are available for women who have been the victims of this addiction. It’s something I’ve been considering. I also have never seen or heard of any kind of support for women who have been adulterous in their marriages. It seems to be a big taboo. No one talks about it–maybe no one else has done it. Maybe I’m alone in this. But I think it is like childhood sexual abuse–no one talks about it but it is very prevalent even in the church. Many women have been affected by it and it has now become acceptable to have groups to address this issue. Just some thinking on my part.
Shirley,
Hello, I am so touched to see your response today. I am honored to let you know about a ministry I have just started for women who have experienced adultery, abuse, addiction, depression and abortion. I started it for people like you and I who are ashamed to speak out about what we have experienced in our lives. I grew up in an abusive home and in turn I have covered up my pain with instant gratifications that this sinful world offers to us. The shame and guilt of my past sins were so unbearable, that is was not until I surrendered my life to The Lord 10-02-2014 where I finally discovered freedom, peace, forgiveness and a true father who accepts you for who you are and what you’ve done and not only forgives you for your sins but washes you clean and puts you on a path to lead others to Him so they can experience the same grace and mercy that you have received.
I am here to tell you that you are not alone in this and that is exactly why I started my ministry. I had NO ONE to talk to and no where to turn and I want to be that person who women can come to and know that there is nothing they can say that will be judged – just complete forgiveness and understanding because I too, have been there. Not only adultery, abuse, depression but also pornography. I would love for you to subscribe to my blog and join me in the journey of helping women just like us who have Surrendered the secret we have been hiding for so long and we can experience freedom from it when we Surrender it to The Lord and lay it down at the foot of the cross.
God bless you,
Shannon
http://www.surrenderministriesforwomen.com
surrenderministriesforwomen@yahoo.com
“The bigger the trial, the bigger the triumph!”
I left a comfort zone and quit my old profession and started working at an elementary school with “at risk” kids. Meaning the one who need more help with reading and writing in 1st grade. I had home schooled my own kids 1996-2012, but returned to office work. I knew that wasn’t where God wanted to use me. The doors opened so easy for this position.
It has not been easy, natural yes, comfortable not always. I got sick from the kids and spent my Easter Break sick. Today I go back after a breathing treatment at the urgent care yesterday and a lot of Medication for the next 5 days to kick bronchitis. I can’t wait to see the kids.
I also started selling a natural cleaning product line that has been opening doors to share my belief in God. A byproduct was running into the daughter of my 2nd grade teacher. I am now scheduling a coffee date with a lady who taught me in the late 1960s. How fun is that. …
The Ten Boom sisters’ story always gets me because I, sadly, do NOT tend to be an automatic-thanks-giving person. I tend toward pessimism and frustration and annoyance. So I definitely need a TON of HOLY SPIRIT RECONSTRUCTION! The biggest professional “flea” for me has been not achieving my educational goals. I’ve dealt with becoming embittered, but, lately, am starting to see that failure to achieve what I wanted 8 years ago might actually have been a blessing (?). Remains to be seen. Another “flea” for me is feeling that my metropolitan and neighborhood area is being overcrowded by individuals who did not come here legally. I become angry, embittered, frustrated at lack of justice, etc. I cannot see ANY reason for giving thanks for this particular social issue. Yet, I KNOW intellectually that the Lord wants me to give thanks and to show Jesus’ love to all around me, regardless of my feelings. How on earth do I do that? Whether I’m battling the feelings of frustration at losing my terminal degree years ago and dealing with professional setbacks, or frustration at sensing my home is losing value because our area is inundated with illegal immigrants? I apologize for any offense my posting might cause, but I’m simply sharing my very real, difficult feelings…ones I honestly, honestly never thought I’d have and ones I don’t want to harbor any longer! I wish I could be like Betsy Ten Boom and automatically, on 100% faith, give great thanks for things that seem senseless to me! I have been crying out to God, I have. I know I need to take every thought and make it obedient to Christ. This is a terrible battle for me, ladies. And I appreciate your prayers. Thank you!
“To every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Eccles. 3:1 As a “retiree,” I have known the attraction of the “promised” land of accomplishment and success. I have journeyed through the pathways of challenge, struggle, illness pressing forward in the desire to serve. I, too, have felt the anger and distress of the inequities of the world in which we live. I am ever learning, day by day, that “Our GOD Reigns” [HE is in Charge] and “HE uses whom HE chooses”. I certainly want to be willing for whatever………… However, my “comfort zone” beckons and I often retreat there. Thank you, Tracie, for reminding me that “Fabulous” is still there with HIM. I especially liked your “4 Steps Program”. I’m going to work on those. Certainly, the Ten Boom girls didn’t give up because of circumstances.
I always felt comfortable staying in my comfort zone because my routine was easy with minimal distractions. But lately, I have been having a stirring in my soul for something more. In other words, I have been feeling restless. I believe God has a wonderful plan for my life; although I don’t understand what that plan is, I need to trust and obey Him every step of the way.
For many years, I thought being a special education teacher was my calling. So, I began an online program to receive my MAT in Special Education. (I already have an MS in Special Education/Non-Licensure). I made it all the way to my student teaching (which I started) then dropped out. I became fearful, scared and terrified because I believed I wasn’t good enough to become a special education teacher and didn’t know if I was making the right decision. I have worked as a teacher assistant in a sped classroom and really enjoyed my job but now I am unsure if I want to become a sped teacher.
Another area where I want to get out of my comfort zone is moving away to a different state. I always knew I wanted to move but for years was unsure where I should go. As stated in the video, I need to find the courage to be stretched and move forward in faith. The quote that reasonates with me from the video is, “Sometimes being comfortable is not the best place for us to be, because nothing fabulous can happen in a comfort zone”. One thing I have started is a vision board. My pastor asked us to write our vision down and make it plain. Looking at my vision daily keeps me focused on the goals I am working towards. I believe in and am comforted by the scripture Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.
I have learned that being in my comfort zone does not get out the best of me. But sometimes feels good to be in the comfort zone, but God calls me to step away from that place. Thanks for sharing!!
Blessings,
Tayrina from TGAWrites
I absolutely loved Corrie Ten Boom’s inspiring story!
For me, my flea is years and years and years of unemployment. Despite being a dedicated worker, I’m afraid I’m now unemployable. Plus, my savings is completely depleted. I’m embarrassed and ashamed that at almost 32 years old, I still live with my parents. It’s very difficult for me to praise God for this obstacle, especially when so many people my age have awesome careers, families of their own, beautiful homes, and are traveling the world. I so wanted to experience those things, but I no longer feel I’ll ever have that opportunity. My younger brother has some health issues, so I’m able to help around the house, but it doesn’t help me with feeling like a burden to my parents. I’m very disappointed with how my life has turned out, despite my many attempts of trying to change it. I desperately could use some prayers. Thank you for this study.